If you are getting the error Windows cannot find ‘C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Acrobat Reader DC\Reader\AcroRd32.exe’ whenever you try to run Acrobat Reader or AcroRd32.exe, this article will help you.
This issue happens due to a corrupted registry entry. So, reinstalling Adobe Acrobat Reader or repairing your installation won’t work here. Instead, you need to fix it in the Registry Editor.
To fix this issue, follow the steps below:
- With Acrobat Reader closed, enter Registry Editor on Windows Search, and click on Open:
- Click yes to allow Windows to make changes to your device.
- On the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
- Delete the folder AcroRd32.exe (and other related “AcroRd” folders if they exist.)
- Launch Acrobat Reader.
This will probably fix this issue. If not, I recommend you switch to another PDF reader.
The free version of Adobe Reader is loaded with many tools that most users (who only want a reliable PDF reader) won’t ever need. This makes Adobe Acrobat bloated and sluggish.
Try Sumatra PDF instead, it is much lighter and one of the must-have Windows software you need to know about.
Conclusion
The Windows cannot find AcroRd32.exe on the path “C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Acrobat Reader DC\Reader\AcroRd32.exe'” is a registry issue.
To fix it, open the Registry Editor and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options, then delete the folder AcroRd32.exe. Relaunch Adobe Reader, and the issue should be fixed.
If you often get system crashes and BSOD errors, it is essential to learn how to disable automatic restart on system failure, so you can carefully read the error message.
If you see error messages also when opening pictures on Windows Photo Viewer, check my article on Windows Photo Viewer Can’t Display Picture Not Enough Memory.
